Luke 23:50-56

A grandmother. Her name was Grace and she embodied her name. All grace from her. She loved me unconditionally, prayed for me, and told me about Jesus. All grace, good news from beginning to end.

A mother. Her name was Harriet. She was Grace’s daughter. With her it was sacrifice. She was the embodiment of sacrificial love. My father died when I was eleven. But Mom was always there. My needs before her needs. My life before her life.

A wife. Valerie is her name. She embodies strength and hope. Always. Forty-two years. Seven moves. Four sons. Good times and hard times. Joys and sorrow. Always strength. Always hope. Now, as I struggle with cancer and challenges in ministry, I borrow strength, borrow hope from her.

A friend and colleague. Debbie is a woman of courage and character. She teaches me to listen, to hear people’s stories, to welcome the other into my life. Her life is the embodiment of compassion, reconciliation and justice.

The women. Four women who have shown me Jesus. Grace and Harriet and Valerie and Debbie. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.